Ukraine's leading English-language newspaper since 1995

Where do Akhmetov’s interests lie? Ukraine’s richest man has yet to show he is acting in Ukraine’s best interests

we have posed this question, nor will it be the last. As the richest man in Ukraine, worth an estimated $33 billion, and a prime backer of the Moscow-leaning Regions Party headed by Victor Yanukovych, Akhmetov has more than his fair share of influence in Ukraine. We have been told many times that he is a pragmatic businessman who cares deeply for Ukraine and actively helps the country through charity. We have been told that he is a close friend and ally of Ukraine’s pro-Western president, Victor Yushchenko, and supports Western integration.

Yet the facts tell a different story.

On August 15, in the heat of bloody Russian-Georgian military standoff, the Donetsk City Council controlled by the Regions Party took sides with Russia by adopting a resolution condemning the “aggression of Georgia’s leadership” against South Ossetia.

While Akhmetov has himself been silent on this issue, the party he exerts so much influence over is taking sides with the Kremlin. Such a position is not helpful to Ukraine, which, in Crimea, might be the next target of Moscow’s attempts to stir up secessionist sentiment.

Could the Regions Party once again, as in Orange Revolution days, fuel separatist tensions in Ukraine? Are these politicians playing to their electorate or acting as part of a Kremlin plan? Does Akhmetov support this? Will his television channel again be used as a mouthpiece for separatist movements in Ukraine? These are valid questions, since Akhmetov has yet to show he is acting in Ukraine’s best interests.

Akhmetov must make his position clear. If his position on such a crucial issue differs from that of the Regions Party, then he has no place in this party. He should stay out of politics or join a pro-Ukrainian party. If not, then he is exacerbating Ukraine's problems. Finally, Yushchenko should reconsider his relations with Akhmetov and end the fighting with Tymoshenko, whom he has accused in recent days of siding with the Kremlin. The threat does not appear to be Tymoshenko, who has -- contrary to claims by Yushchenko’s administration -- expressed solidarity with Georgia. From our vantage point, the greater danger is posed by Akhmetov.